If you’re looking for a unique way to… total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024then consider a road trip.
On that day, a path totaling 115 miles (185 kilometers) wide will stretch across parts of three Mexican states, fifteen U.S. states and five Canadian provinces. Only within this path will people experience darkness in the middle of the day and be able to see the corona of the sun.
It will be an exciting space event not to be missed, but it is also an excellent opportunity to explore space. Whether you’re a stargazer, history buff or space enthusiast, here are six road trip options to make the total solar eclipse an unforgettable experience.
Related: Total solar eclipse April 8, 2024, live updates
1. Stargazing in Arkansas and Missouri
Stargazing in Arkansas and Missouri
Duration: 7 days
Start and finish: Little Rock, Arkansas
Recommended location for viewing eclipses: somewhere rural
Not all eclipse hunters are stargazers, but if you fall into either camp, consider visiting some of the dark spots on the path of totality. Five regions with excellent dark skies within the path are the Texas Hill Country, the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, southeastern Missouri, northeastern New York and northern Maine.
Campsites in two Texas Dark Sky Parks – Rock State Enchanted Natural Area And South Llano River State Park – have been fully booked for some time clouds are probably in the Northeast, so the most sensible destinations are Missouri and Arkansas. Attempted Mark Twain National Forest on the northern border or Rocky Creek Natural Area in Missouri. In Arkansas the Ozark Francis National Forest, Buffalo National River And Ouachita National Forest are dark – and probably away from the hustle and bustle. As a bonus, you also get dark skies during totality.
Related: The best places in the US to experience totality during the April 2024 solar eclipse
2. The dark side of the Wabash
The dark side of the Wabash
Duration: 4 days
Start and finish: Indianapolis, Indiana
Recommended location for viewing eclipses: Vincennes, Indiana
The Wabash River is the state line between southern Indiana and southern Illinois. It also intersects the path of totality on April 8.
A focal point for exploring the area and viewing the solar eclipse should be historic Vincennes, on the centerline of the path of totality, where a documentary about the solar eclipse is being filmed. The dark side of the Wabash is a four-day festival of science, art and music events at the Rendezvous Grounds (site of an annual Revolutionary War reenactment), the George Rogers Clark National Historical Park, Historic Pavilion on the River and Main Street. Expect floating parades on the Wabash River, Think Floyd (a Pink Floyd Tribute Band), and musicians all playing “The Final Countdown” on the day of the solar eclipse. You also get more than 4 minutes total.
You can brush up on the eclipse story on either side of the eclipse 1806 total solar eclipseVisit the historic former utopian colony New Harmonysee the Sugarloaf Hill And Pyramid hill and explore the large Amish communities nearby, especially in Loogootee.
3. Skiing and stargazing in Quebec
Skiing and stargazing in Quebec
Duration: 7 days
Start and finish: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Recommended location for viewing eclipses: ASTROLab, Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve
Although it is huge Parc Jean-Drapeau will get more than a minute of totality and are planning a major event, Montreal is on the northern edge of the path of totality, so not ideally placed for viewing the eclipse.
However, it’s perfect as a starting point for an itinerary that includes skiing and stargazing in Quebec preparing for the solar eclipse. About 90 miles northwest of Montreal – outside the path of totality – lie the Laurentian Mountains Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, which was recently certified as Canada’s third International Dark Sky Park. Return to the trail for skiing at Quebec’s Mont-Orford Ski Resort or Mount Sutton before we go to the Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve to look at the stars and observe the solar eclipse ASTROLabthe astronomy capital of Quebec.
Related: The best places in Canada to see the 2024 total solar eclipse
4. Space exploration
Space Research
Duration: 5 days
Start and finish: Cincinnati to Cleveland, Ohio
Recommended location for viewing eclipses: Great Lakes Science Center, Cleveland
According to eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler of GreatAmericanEclispe.comthere are five NASA spacecraft in museums within the path of totality. It’s not practical to visit them all in one road trip, but four live in Indiana and Ohio.
Where you start and end is up to you – everything is on the path here – but make sure you see Gemini 3 on the Grissom Monument of Spring Mill State Park near Mitchell, Indiana, the Apollo 15 Command Module at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio, Gemini 8 at the Neil Armstrong Air and Space MuseumWapakoneta, Ohio, and the Great Lakes Science Center, home to both Skylab 3 space capsule and on April 8 Total Eclipse Fest 2024.
5. Houston, we have a problem
Houston we have a problem
Duration: 7 days
Start and finish: Houston, Texas
Recommended location for viewing eclipses: Corsicana, Mexia or Ennis
Another space-themed road trip around the solar eclipse could be worth a visit Space Center Houston to Mission Control, Rocket Park (home of a Saturn V rocket) and the Apollo 17 command module. Then take a journey to the path of totality. Don’t make the mistake of taking Interstate 10 west to join the crowds heading into the Texas Hill Country from San Antonio. Instead, consider heading north on Interstate 45 toward Dallas and experiencing the totality Corsican, Mexia or Ennis.
Waco is huge Eclipse over Texas 2024 Observing an event could also be an option. After the eclipse, head east from the trail and avoid the traffic to/from Houston and Dallas to visit Lufkin in Texas Forest Country and explore the enormous Lake Sam Rayburn.
6. Mexico by bus
Mexico by bus
Duration: 7 days
Start and finish: Mexico City, Mexico
Recommended location for viewing eclipses: Mazatlan Malecon
Eclipse hunters who plan their trips years in advance have long known that the best chance of clear skies on April 8 will be in north-central Mexico, especially in the cities of Mazatlán, Durango and Torreón.
Organized trips have long been sold out and getting a flight to one of these cities is very expensive. So take the bus! Buses in Mexico are nothing like those in the US or Europe. They have comfortable business class style seats and free food. Consider flying into Mexico City – something that can be done cheaply – and taking an overnight bus to your destination for about $70 to $110. Find your bus bus button.
Related: The best places in Mexico to see the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024